2005 Saab 9-2x Aero AT. Newbie, so I hope I'm asking a question in the correct manner. Any suggestions on which multimeter to buy? Prefer $50 range, but willing to go higher if you guys strongly suggest so. I buy decent qualty tools (Craftsman), and plan on this multimeter getting infrequent use and lasting for a good long time The dash lights dim at idle. Research here and elsewhere suggested checking for voltage drop, etc. It also has a quite miss at idle sometimes. Jessie at JM suggested I check the coils. Coils? I'm almost a novice home mechanic but a beginner in automotive electronics. I've replace starters, belts, radiators, exhaust manifolds, fuel pumps, etc., but I'll need a YouTube video to check for voltage drop. I have a hard time picking out socks because there are too many choices. Perhaps the INNOVA Automotive 3340, because it has the word "automotive" in the title? Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thank you.
For what your looking to do virtually any meter will work. I prefer auto ranging/voltage type sensing meters since it is a lot less confusing for non-voice users compared to a standard meter where you need to select your voltage type and the range you are looking to check.
How about free? I like free. And it serves it's purpose. http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-digital-multimeter-90899.html http://www.hfqpdb.com/coupons/11_FREE_7_FUNCTION_DIGITAL_MULTIMETER_1474394469.8726.jpg
https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-Compact-True-RMS-Digital-Multimeter/dp/B01MRFH82T Fluke is great but probably overkill for what you want. I would personally get one that will last forever and has any function you could possibly want but I understand budgets.
I share your quality philosophy, and have been thinking Fluke as well. Then a gearhead buddy will suggest buying a cheap one.
Cheap ones work, but the leads usually suck... too short. Next one I buy will have long leads with interchangeable tips
I have two...a digital and an analog. Depending on what I am going to check determines which one I grab - advantages to both. Neither were pricey and seem to be bulletproof devices if you don't drop them. I would choose one with the word "professional" in the name rather than "automotive".
If you are just checking for voltage drop you can have a voltmeter that plugs into your cigarette lighter port and shows you instantly what the voltage is. Probably selling for $5 - $10 at the jungle or the bay. Don't need to have a cute assistant with you while you check. I could even sell/loan you mine if you ask nicely and if you are not too far from my home/work.
https://www.amazon.com/Zeltauto-Cig...490125271&sr=8-4&keywords=cigarette+voltmeter This is what I am talking about. $5.99 shipped. As for the cute assistant, use your imagination
